A new approach to children's education quarterly

A new approach to children's education quarterly

Quality of life of betrayed women and childhood adversity; the mediating role of social support.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
mitra rezaei 1
Hadi Hashemi Razini 2
Ismail Asadpur 3
1 PhD student in General Psychology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology Kharazmi University,Tehran,Iran
3 Associate professor,Department of counseling, Faculty of educational and psychology,Kharazmi university, Tehran,Iran
10.22034/naes.2025.507487.1660
Abstract
Objective: Marital infidelity is a significant challenge in relationships, having detrimental effects on individuals' quality of life, particularly women who have experienced infidelity. The present study aimed to develop a structural model examining the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and attachment styles on the quality of life of women affected by infidelity, with the mediating role of social support.

Method: This study employed a quantitative, quasi-experimental design with a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up approach. The statistical population consisted of 300 women who had experienced infidelity and sought counseling in Tehran. A sample of 230 participants was selected using cluster sampling. Research instruments included the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-IQ), Adult Attachment Style Questionnaire, Social Support Scale, and Quality of Life Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) through SPSS and AMOS software.

Findings: The results indicated that adverse childhood experiences had a significant negative effect on the quality of life of women affected by infidelity (p<0. 01). Furthermore, insecure attachment styles (avoidant and anxious) were significantly associated with lower quality of life, whereas a secure attachment style had a positive effect (p<0. 01). Social support acted as a mediating variable, mitigating the negative impact of ACEs and insecure attachment styles while enhancing the positive influence of secure attachment on quality of life.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the quality of life of women affected by infidelity is influenced by past adverse childhood experiences, attachment styles, and the level of social support received. Psychological interventions aimed at improving their quality of life should focus on strengthening social support, modifying insecure attachment styles, and reducing the negative effects of early-life adversities. This study provides valuable insights for family counselors and policymakers in the mental health domain.
Keywords
Marital Infidelity
Quality of Life
Adverse Childhood Experiences
Attachment Styles
Social Support

Subjects

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A new approach to children's education quarterly
Volume 7, Issue 1 - Serial Number 23
Spring 2025
Pages 310-320

  • Receive Date 18 February 2025
  • Revise Date 18 March 2025
  • Accept Date 25 March 2025
  • First Publish Date 25 March 2025
  • Publish Date 22 May 2025